Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today sought cooperation from all political parties to hold the forthcoming general elections in a free, fair, and festive manner. "It is the responsibility of all of us - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that this year's elections are held in a fair and festive atmosphere. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser made the remarks at a meeting with a four-member delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by its Convener Nahid Islam at the State Guest House Jamuna. The delegation included NCP Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and head of the legal assistance subcommittee Jahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb were present at the meeting.
During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and expressed various concerns regarding the election. They stated that NCP leaders and activists at all levels are campaigning in favor of a "Yes" vote in the referendum. The NCP leaders also drew the Chief Adviser's attention to several election-related issues and urged the government to be proactive in ensuring a level playing field in the election.
Prof Yunus urged the NCP leaders to inform the government immediately about any complaints or suggestions related to the election, assuring that necessary measures would be taken. "Steps will be taken so that no one can violate the law," he said. Highlighting the reshuffling of field administration through a lottery system to ensure neutrality, the Chief Adviser emphasized that there is no scope for any bias in this election. He stated, "This election will determine the country's fate. This election will change the country. This election must be fair."
He further noted that most polling centers will be brought under CCTV camera coverage by this month, with officials assigned to at-risk centers equipped with body-worn cameras, all monitored from a control room. Regarding the referendum, Prof Yunus mentioned that the government is campaigning in favor of the "Yes" vote lawfully. "We are trying to explain to the people why it is necessary to vote 'Yes' in the referendum and what will happen if they vote 'Yes'. We have also called upon all political parties in this regard," he added.